Goodman: Sunderland will always have a place in my heart

Chris Young

DON GOODMAN will renew his Sunderland love affair when he returns to the North East next month.

The whole-hearted Goodman was a popular figure on the terraces during his three years at Roker Park after being signed from West Brom as a replacement for Marco Gabbiadini.

The Leeds-born striker netted 40 goals in 116 appearances in a struggling Sunderland side, before ultimately returning to the West Midlands to join a Wolves side who were investing heavily in a promotion push.

But Goodman has retained his affection for the Black Cats and will reflect on his spell on Wearside at a fund-raising dinner, in Peterlee, on Thursday, April 17.

“The club will always be very close to my heart,” Goodman told the Echo.

“When I do go back – and I do talk-ins five or six times a year up there – I love it.

“We never really got anywhere near promotion. We were always struggling against relegation.

“I had an almost identical period at West Brom, which was part of the reason why I left to go to Sunderland; believing they could be the vehicle to get me to the top flight.

“Ironically, that’s why I left to go to Wolves and that didn’t work out either!

“But I had three fantastic years at Sunderland.

“I had never seen such passion. That stuck with me and resonated with me. I loved my time there.”

Tickets for the dinner at Peterlee’s Shotton Hall – which include a three-course dinner and entertainment – are priced at £27, with all proceeds going to the youth development projects at Peterlee Cricket Club.

For more information or to book a table contact Mark Simpson on 07966 891557 or mark.simpson@hartlepoolunited.co.uk.

Twitter @youngsunecho

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